Up to 160 jobs are under threat at animal healthcare product maker Elanco's Dundee plant.

The US-based owners said they will market the plant for sale in a bid to protect around 130 manufacturing jobs.

A consultation process will be launched with a further 30 support staff who wont transfer in the event of a new buyer being found, though Elanco said the plant will close if it fails to attract a buyer.

Elanco, a subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, said in a statement: “The difficult decision was reached as part of an in-depth evaluation of our global manufacturing operations, allowing Elanco to maintain a competitive advantage in the continually changing animal health business.

“It is in no way a reflection of site performance at Dundee.

"If efforts to find a suitable buyer are unsuccessful, we will commence the transfer of product supply to other manufacturing sites, leading to a site closure.

"If this were to occur, the company anticipates the transition of production would take approximately two years to complete.”

Elanco Animal Health announced on Wednesday it is also planning to close a manufacturing plant in Sligo in the Republic of Ireland with the loss of around 100 jobs.